Typewriter



April 13, 1937. D. P. ROWLAND ET AL 2,076,746

Filed March 9, 1933 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS April 13, 1937.

D. P. ROWLAND r AL TYPEWRITER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 9, 1933IIIIIIIIIDB lilliif HI-IIIWIII Illl TORS Dari I77. PPoar/afld BY Co A umINVEN flgmmw QdQ-DQM ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 13, 1937 UNITED I STATESPATENT: OFFICE- TYPEWRITER Michigan Applieation March 9, 1933, SerialNo. 660,163

13 Claims.

This invention relates to a typewriter, and it has to do moreparticularly with type bar, unlversal bar and ribbon vibrator mechanismstherefor.

r, The general object of the invention is to provide an improvedtypewriter construction.

Another object is to provide an improved universal bar mechanism of acharacter adapted to be actuated by the type bars to, in turn, actuate mthe .carriage escapement and ribbon vibrator mechanisms.

A further object is to provide an improved ribbon vibrator mechanism bywhich the difierent color fields of a bi-chrome ribbon or diflerentzonesof a single-color ribbon are moved in an improved manner to and from theprinting point in all case-shift positions of the typewriter.

Another object is to provide an improved construction wherein the typebars are normally locked against removal by the universal bar andwherein novel means is provided for moving the universal bar to andlocking it in an inoperative condition inwhich thetype bars are releasedfor removal of the same for repair and replacement. v Additional objectsare to provide improved means for regulating the tension of the type barlevers and for insuring uniformity in key touch; to provide an improveduniversal bar and mounting therefor that avoids distortion of the sameas it is contacted by the type bars, and insures capement mechanismatthesame relative instant ,or position in its movement toward the platen; toprovide improved means preventing overthrow of the ribbon vibrator; toprovide improved spring means for effecting carriage escapementwithoutactuation of. the type bar; to

provide improved means for adjusting and controlling the throw of theribbon vibrator, and to provide structure for carrying out the foregoingobjects which is simply anddurably constructed, and which is composed ofparts which are readily accessibleandwhich may be -easily and quicklyadjusted and operated.

Qther objectsand advantages will become ap.--'

, parentfas this description progresses and by ref ere I g g theinvention wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the universal"to-'the'drawings illustrating one embodibeing shown in dot and dashlines;

that each type bar will operate the carriage esbar its, associatedmechanisms, all of the parts thereoi being shown in normal condition andthe typewriter frame carriage and platen Fig.'2;-is a right sidesectional elevation of the structure of Fig. 1 with the type bar shownin printing position;

Fig. 3 is a left side sectional elevation of the structure of Fig. 1,the parts being shown in normal non-printing position; b v

Fig. 4 is asepa'rated sectionalized, detailed rear view takensubstantially on line 4-4 of Fig. 3,

I and showing the connections between the universa1 bar and ribbonvibrator for operating the latter; Fig. 5'is a fragmentary front view ofthe struc-' 'ture for adjusting and controlling the throw 'of the ribbon'vibrator connections;

Fig. 6 is a sectional side elevation of the structure shown'in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a left side'elevational view, partially in section,illustrating the ribbon vibrator and its operating connections adjustedto move the black field of a red and black ribbon to the writing point,the parts being shown in printing position;

Fig, 8 is a left side detail elevational view ofthe ribbon vibratoroperating connections of Fig. '7 in adjusted condition for moving thered field of the ribbon into printing position upon depression of a key;

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 except that the connections are shownin ing;

Fig. .10 is a perspective view of the universal bar and its supportingframe;

Fig. 11 is a separated, side elevational view 01! the connections forlocking the universal bar in inoperative condition 'to permit removal ofthe type bars, the universal bar being shown locked out ofoperation,'and I v Fig. 12 is aview similar to Fig. 11 except illus-.trating the parts in normal, non-locking condition. p l

The typewriter mechanism as a whole includes the requisite parts usuallyemployed in the makposition for non-'printing of a complete typewritermechanism includthey will-be referred to only in a brief manner.

Type bar mechanism The type bar mechanism includes a pluralityof type"barsfl (Fig.1) supported forswinging movement toward and from theplanar. Each type bar. is 'mounted and operated in the same manner andbut one such mounting will be described in detail.

The type bar is actuated by a depressible key lever 4 connected to thetype bar by a crank 5.

A key 6 is mounted at the forward end of the key lever for thedepression of the latter. The crank 5 is supported by a cross shaft 1and it is connected to the respective type bar I and key lever 4 byslot-and-pin connections 8 and 9, respectively.

The segment 3 is provided with a plurality of slots l0 (Figs. 1,'2, and3) in each of which is disposed a type bar pivotally supported upon acurved shaft ll mounted in a groove l2 in the segment and intersectingthe slots Ill.

The segment 3 is further provided on its face with an anvil like ridgel3 adapted to be engaged by the forward edge ll of the type bar veryslightly before the type face engages the paper around'the platen 2,thereby imparting a percussive blow against the platen of uniform forceby the respective type bars; that is to say, that the engagement of anytype bar I with the anvil ridge I 3 before striking the platen tends touniformize the striking blow of all the type bars.

' supported in any desired manner.

The key levers 4 are necessarily of difierent.

lengths, dependent upon the position of a particular key 6 in thekeyboard and the tension of the springs I8 is varied to meet thiscondition so that a uniform key touch is provided. It is also highlydesirable that an adjustment of the key touch once made should bemaintained. This invention contemplates the provision of a novelmounting for the compression spring I! wherein these advantages arefully attained.

The spring holding bar or beam I9 is provided with a plurality ofopenings 20 (Figs. 1 and 2), each of which is adapted to receive one endof its respective compression spring ll. The key lever 4, directly abovethe spring holding bar I9, is provided with a depending spear-head likeprojection 2| which receives the other end of the spring I 8. The springholding bar openings are threaded to receive a screw plug 22 having across slot 23 in its inner end for the reception of a vertical eyeformed in the end coil '24 of the spring I8, which end coil is bent toform a diametrically disposed bail or eye for the engagement stated. Inthis manner, the screw plug 22 and the spring III are positively engagedto drive as a unit, so that rotation of the plug 22 to screw the sameinto the bar opening 20 causes rotation of the spring l8 upon theprojection 2| ot the.

key lever 4. The spring l8v is wound in a direction to permit freerotation of the spring in clockwise direction when tensioning thespringl8; however, the cut-oi! end 25 of the spring 18 engages the side of thelever 4 above the spear head 2| and prevents rotation of the spring IIand plug 22 in the opposite direction. More particularly, the plug 22may be readily screwed inwardly to increase the tension of the spring I.agd-conseguently, the touch p1-key 4.;and the particiuaradjustment made,will by virtue of the inability of the spring I 4 to rotate in adirection to lessen the tension of said spring l8. That is to say, byincreasing the tension of the spring I 8, the resistance of the keylever 4 against depression and the touch of the key 6 may be increasedintentionally, but the tension of the spring l8 will not be accidentallyor unintentionally decreased. Theparts for eifecting decrease in tensionof the spring l8 are readi ly accessible and adjustment may be carriedout easily and quickly without removing any of the parts. The tension ofspring 18 may be lessened by inserting a spring hook to pull the endcoil 25 of the spring l8 downwardly so that such end coil will clear thelower edge of the key lever 4 and permit the spring l8 to be turnedcounter clockwise with the plug 22.

Depression of the key 6 moves its respective type bar I to a positionwherein its type face l5.

strikes the platen 2 with a percussive blow (Fig. 2) and provides,through the medium of the usual ribbon 26, the impression on the paper.Upon release of the. key Ii, the spring I8, the universal bar 30, thespring 52, and the rebound of the type bar from the anvil return thetype bar through the connections above described to normal inoperativeposition where it engages and rests upon a cross strip 21 formed of feltor other suitable rebound preventing and sound deadening material..During this latteraction, the key lever 4 is moved to its uppermostnormal position where it engages and seats against a cross strip 28formed of felt or other suitable sounddeadening material.

The type bar I is provided with'a cam face 29 at that end which isjournaled in the segment slot l0 (Figs. 1 and 2) As the type bar ismoved toward the platen, and just priorto' its engagement therewith, itscam face contacts with and actuates a universal bar 34. The universalbar, in turn. actuates the carriage escapement mechanism as well as theribbon feed and ribbon vibrator mechanisms which will be referred tomore fully hereinafter.

Universal bar mechanism The universal bar mechanism includesthe segthetype bar slots ll so that the forward edge of the universal bar will beengaged by the cam face 29 of the type bar for rearward movement of theuniversal bar as the type bar is actuated. The universal bar is providedwith an upstanding lug 33 supporting a pin 34 adapted to be slidablyreceived 'in an aligned opening 28 in the segment for forward guidanceof and the support of the universal bar in its back and forth movements.

The universal in: is engaged and actuated by,

each of the type bars. regardless of the position of the type bar on thesegment upon depression of the respective key 4. The universal bar is,therefore, subjected to pressure at numerous points along its forwardedge: and from a wide variety of angles depending upon the position ofthe particular type bar actuated. Due to this 'condition, there is atendency, unless guarded mechanism as different type bars are actuatedwith obvious improper escapement movement of the paper carriage. vUniformity and accuracy in the and' uniform escapement of the papercarriage, and this invention insures uniformity and accuracy by theprovision of a novel form of uni- I versal bar and supporting structurewhich is sufform speed of operation.

flciently strong and rigid to avoid detrimental twisting, flexing anddistortion thereof. In other words, this invention contemplates auniversal bar so constructed that it will operate the carriageescapement mechanism exactly at the same instant of movement or positionof the type bar with respect to the platen, regardless of the segmentposition of the type bar and its point of contact with the universalbar. This assures uni- The universal bar frame 3| (Fig. 10) is providedwith a flat web-shaped body 40 having arms 4| extending forwardlythereof for securement to the universal bar by rivets, or other suitablefastening devices 42. .This frame is also provided with rearwardlyextending arms 43 which are provided with side. flanges 44 whichcontinue along, and are integrally joined to the sides of the frame body40. The angularform of the arms 43 and, the sides of the frame body 40render these parts sufliciently rigid to oppose bending, flexing ordistortion in any direction upon engagement of the type bar with theforward edge of the universal bar.

The arms 4| which connect the frame body a type bar is eliminated. Eacharm 4| is connected to the frame by a short right-angled arm 45; but,since the axis of the bend between the arms 4| and 45 is parallel to thedirection of thrust, no flexing or bending takes place at that pointwhenthe universal bar is actuated.

' The construction just described is quite rigid and is not distortedregardless whether a type bar strikes the universal bar at points A, B,C, D, E, or elsewhere along its forward edge. The'uni versal bar isthusly moved with uniformity to effect each escapement movement withuniformity as each type bar is actuated, thereby insuring uni-' formityin the timing of the escapement.

and 3) secured in laterally spaced relation to the cross plate H. Theplates 49 are provided with.. upwardly and forwardly extending arms 59which I are securedto therear portion of the segment 3 thereby servingas a support for the latter. Platesoperation of a typewriter depend verymaterially upon positive 49 also serve to support the carriageescapement mechanism as well as universal barservice lockmechanism whichwill be described further hereinafter.

The arms 46 and 41, together with the pin 34, serve as the sole supportsfor the universal bar in its backward and forward movements under thecontrol of the type bar I. The arm 46 is provided with a downwardextension 5| to which is attached one end of a spring 52. The other endof this spring is releasably and adjustably attached to the end 53 of arearwardly extending arm 54 on one of the frame members 49. This springis constantly under tensionurging the arms 46 and 41counterclockwise-and universal bar 3|! forwardly. Spring 52 yieldablyopposes rearward movement of the universal bar and it serves to returnthe universal bar to its normal position in the segment slot 3|luponrelease of the type bar.

The universal bar frame ,3| intermediate its arms 43, is provided with ahardened lug 55 which engages a part of the carriage escapementmechanism in the rearward movement of the universal bar for initiatingthe escapement movenient- Carriage escapement mechanism The shaft 62also has fastened thereon a pinion gear 65 that meshes with. a carriage.rack 66 which, together with the carriage 60, is constantly urgedtoward the left (as viewed in-Fig. 1) by the spring drum 61 andcarriage-tape connection 68. By this arrangement, the escapement wheelis ocnstahtly urged in counterclockwise direction and its movement isopposed by a pair of escapement dogs 69, 19 (Figs. 2 and 3).

The dogs 69, 10, one of which is movable and the other-fixed, aslwill bewell understood, are

carried by an escapementv block 1| fixed upon a cross shaft 12 havingits ends. journaled in the frames 49.

A plate 13 (Figs. 2 and 3) is secured to-the forward face of the block Hand it supports. an adjustable abutment screw 14 which is adapted to beengaged by the universal bar lug 55 in the rearward movement of theuniversal bar. Rearward swing movementof the escapement-block H isopposed by an adjustable spring 15 between the lower end of an 'arm 16fixed to therock shaft 72 and the frame extension 54 (Fig. 2). I

The escapement dogs 69, are mounted upon the block H in alaterally-spaced, diagonal fash, ion and the pivoted dog 1|) is normallyengaged. with one of theteeth of the escapement wheel 6|. Rearwardmovement of the universal bar swings the block H in clockwise directionto release the dog 10 and to, in turn, engage the dog 69 with theescapement wheel thereby eifecting apartiai escapement in an obviousmanner. Return movement of the universal bar to normal position permitscounterclockwise movement of the block H to its normal position and re-engagement of the dog 'IOfwith the escapement wheel-and consequentcompletionof iheescapement movement. r

Escapement movement of the paper carriage is also accomplished by spacebar mechanism which is arranged to actuate the universal bar mechanismindependently of the type bars.

Space bar mechanism The space bar mechanism illustrated in the drawings(Figs. 1 and 2) includes a space bar 88 located at the front of themachine in the usual manner. The space bar is connected by a pair ofarms 8| to a frame-carried rock shaft 82. Shaft 82 is constantly urgedin a clockwise direction by a spring 83 on one end of the shaft 82. Thespring 83 has one of its ends releasably secured to a collar 84adjustably fastened upon the shaft 82 and its other end is engaged withthe machine frame in any suitable manner. (not shown) so. that rotationof the shaft 82 counterclockwise by the space bar 88 increases thetension of the spring and conditions the same for quick return of thespace bar to its normal position'after the usual spacing depression.

The shaft 82 fixedly supports a rocker arm 85 to which the forward endof a link 86 is pivoted. The rear end of link 86 is forked forsupporting slide engagement with a stud 81 carried by the left hand(Fig. 2) frame plate 49. The stud 81 is channeled to receive and confinethe forked end of link 86 against lateral displacement, while permittingof free longitudinal slide movement thereon. The lower forked arm 88 ofthe link 86 is extended rearwardlyand is provided with a lug.89extending laterally across the rear edge of the bottom extension 5I onuniversal bar supporting arm 46.

With the foregoing arrangement, depression of the space bar 88 rocks thearm 85 counterclockwiseand shifts the link 86 forwardly. Forwardmovement of link 86 causes its lug 89 to engage the arm SI and rock thearm 46 clockwise. Clockwise movement .of arm 46 moves the uni-.- versalbar 88 rearwardly and the spring 52 returns it as hereinabove describedwith resultant escapement movement.

Ribbon feed mechanism The ribbon feed mechanism is actuated by theuniversal bar 'to effect a step by step ribbon movement. The details ofthis mechanism are not essential to an understanding of this invention,and will be referred to but briefly.

The. ribbon feed mechanism includes a link 94 pivotally connected at 95to the universal bar supporting arm 46. Link 94 is connected to aratchet mechanism (not shown) of any suitable form by which rotarymotion is imparted to a shaft 96 as the universal bar is movedrearwardly. The shaft 96 through gears 81, 98, and 99, imparts rotarymotion to shafts I88 supporting ribbon spools I8I. Two ribbon spools IIIand similar gear connections are employed for supporting the ribbon 26,but only the left hand of these spools is shown (Fig. 1). The ribbon 26is supported intermediate the spools- III by a' universal bar to movethe ribbon to coversnd uncover the writing point or to move the propercolored portion of the ribbon to the printing point. It is so supportedand actuated that any selected zone of a single color or'a bi-chromeribbon'may be projected to thewtiting point and accurately positionedwith respect thereto regardless of the position of the platen which isshiftable vertically in its carriage to print upper and lower caseletters.

The ribbOn vibrator H8 (Fig. 1) is provided at its upper end with a pairof spaced arms II I having openings H2 therein through which the rib-.bon 28 is threaded. The spacing of the arms III permits the type bar tostrike the ribbon and.

II6 fixedly secured to the platen shift shaft II1.

The rear arm of the crank H5 is pivotally connected to a horizontallydisposed and rearwardlyextending link II8 adapted to .be actuated by theuniversal bar through certain connections which will now be described. r

The rear end of the link H8 is pivotally con nected to the upper end ofan upstanding-lever I I9. The lower end of lever H9 is provided with ahub I28 (Fig. 1) which is pivotallymounted upon a stud I2I carried bythe upwardly extending arm I22 of a bracket I28 rigidly secured to thebottom plate member I1.

The lower end of the lever I I9 is provided with an upwardly-extendingforked arm I24 which is operatively connected by a coupling stud I25 toanother forked arm I26 fixedly secured to the rock shaft 48 which isrocked by the universal bar through the supporting arms 46, 41..

The arm I26 is forkedand is so. positioned on the shaft 48 that itextends downwardly substantially parallel with the lever arm I24 toalign the slot I21 formed by its-forked portion with the slot I28 formedby the forked portion of the arm I24. The coupling stud I is provided atone end with achanneled head I29 (Fig. 4) which is receivedin the slotofarm I26 with the sides of its channel head straddling the fork sides ofthe arm I26 to prevent sidewise displacement of the stud therefrom butpermitting free slide movement of the same backwardly and forwardly inthe slot I21. The intermediate portion of the stud I25 (Figs. 4, '7, 8,and 9) is freely and slidably received in the slot I28 of the other armI24 'and its opposite end is pivotally supported by the upper end of alink I88 which is, in turn, connected at its other end to a lever I8Ihaving a hub portion secured to a lateral shaft I82 rockably supportedby the bracket I28 and a laterally spaced bracket I88 (Fig. l). The linkI88 and lever I8I constitute a toggle which serves not only as a supportfor the coupling stud I25 but also as means through which such stud isadjusted in the arm slots I21, I28 to vary the throwof the ribbonvibrator.

In theoperation of the structure just described; assuming that the armsI24 and I28 are coupled together by the stud I25, rearward movement ofthe universal bar rocks the arm I26 through the medium of the shaft 48counterclockwise andthe lever Il8 clockwise through the stud I25 and thearm I24. This motion of the lever Ill moves the link II 8 forwardly andraises the ribbon vibrator II'I through the crank II5. As the universalbar is relefied for 'ietum *niovementfto its position, the ribbonvibrator is positively lowered to uncover the writing point by reversedoperation of the connections just described.

The position of the ribbon vibrator relative to the platen is notchanged by case shifting movement of the platen. The platen is shiftablevertically in the carriage 60 by any suitable mechanism (not shown)adapted to raise and lower the connecting the crank H5 and thenon-shiftable vibrator operating connections permits of thevibrator-and-platen shift movement without disturbing the throw of thevibrator as predetermined by such connections.

The ribbon 26 may have a single color field,

such as all-black, or a plurality of color fields, such as red andblack. It may be desirable to use different zones of a single colorribbon or different color fields of a bi-colored ribbon, or it may bedesirable to cut out the operation of the ribbon vibrator, as when usingthe typewriter for stencil, and other work where no inked impression isrequired. This invention provides novel means ill for accomplishingthese advantages in all, case positions of the platen.

In the structureillustrated, the coupling stud I25, by virtue of itstoggle support, is shiftable backwardly and forwardly in the arm slotsI21 and I28. The slots I21, I28 are of such relative length that theopenend of slot I21 coincides substantially with the closed end of slotI28, but slot I21 extends substantially beyond the open end of slot I28.By this arrangement, the coupling stud I25 cannot be shifted inwardly-ofthe slot I28 a distance sufiicient to disconnect it from the arm I26,but it may be shifted in the opposite direction to disconnect it fromthe arm I24.

The position of the coupling stud I25 in the slots I21, I28 determinesthe operating length of arm I26 and the extent of throw of the link H0and ribbon vibrator when the universal bar is operated. When thecoupling stud is in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 7, the throw ofthe vibrator H0 is such as to move the black field B of the ribbon intowriting position. Adjustment of the coupling stud I25 inwardly of theslot I28, as in Fig. 8, increases the operating length and leverage ofthe arm I26 and, in turn, the extent of movement of link I I8 and thethrow of the ribbon vibrator which is sufilcient to move the red field Rof the ribbon to the writing point. Adjustment of the coupling studinwardly of the slot I21 and beyond the end of the arm I24, as in Fig.9, disconnects the arms I24 and I26 so that the lever II 9, link I I8and ribbon vibrator remain stationary upon movement of the arm I26. by.the

, universal bar.

the machine frame I53 so that it is rocked by moving the color shiftlever I laterally to cause its pointer I54 to register with red, blackor nonprint positions I55,- I56, and, I51, respectively, of a colorscale plate I58 secured to the forward wall I59 of the machine.

The shaft I5I (Figs. 1 and 3) is journaled at its rear end in aframe-carried bracket I60. The

I rear end of shaft I5I is secured to the hub of-a lever I6I (Fig. 1)extending at right angles thereto so that this lever is swung up anddown as the shaft I5I is rocked. Lever I6I is connected by a verticallink I62 to a lower arm I63 which extends forwardly and at right anglesto the upper lever I6I. The lower lever I63 is, in turn, fixedly securedto the rock shaft I32 described above as connected to and supporting thelever I3I of the stud supporting toggle I30, I3I. The connections justdescribed serve to position the coupling stud I25 according to theribbon position desired as determined by the position of the color shiftlever I50. That is to say, movement of the color shift lever I50 fromits black ribbon position I56 of Fig. 5 to the red ribbon position rocksthe shaft I 5I counterclockwise and the shaft I32 (Fig. 1) clockwise toshift the coupling stud I25 to the position of Fig. 8. Movement of thecolor shift lever I50 to the non-print position I51, rocks the v shaftsI5I and I32 in opposite directions to move the coupling stud I25 to theposition of Fig. 9.

The throw of the ribbon vibrator must be accurately adjusted to insurethat the intended field of the ribbon will be moved to the writingpoint. That is to say, in the use of a bi-colored ribbon, the throw ofthe vibrator must be such that the type will strike the ribbon so as toprint only in one color field; or, in the use of a single color ribbon,so that the type will print only in a particular zone. This feature isaccomplished in part by. an adjustable connection between the shaft I5Iand the lever I6I.

The lever I6I is provided with a hub I64 (Fig. 3) which is'adjustablysecured to the shaft I5I by a set screw I65. It will be seen that byloosening the set screw I65 and rotating the lever I6I upon the shaftI5I, the extent of throw of lever I6I, and consequent extent of rockingmovement of shaft I32, is varied for any particular rocking movement ofthe shaft I5I under the control of the color shift lever I50. That is tosay, by thus varying the position oflever I6I the complete throw of thevibrator is varied due to .the consequent change in location andmovement of the coupling stud I 25 in the slots I21, I28. Thisadjustment simultaneously changes the throw of the ribbon vibrator inits several ribbon color positions without change in the relative throw'of the vibrator in these positions.

It is also desirable in certain instances to change the relative throwof the ribbon vibrator in different ribbon field positions. structureshown in the drawings includes one form of structure whereby theindividual ribbon color positions may be independently varied.

The color shift lever I 50 (Fig. 5) is provided at its bottom with aplurality of notches I10- (red), "I (black), I 12 (non-print) adaptedto'be selectively engaged with a frame-carried spring detent I 13whereby the shift lever and its connections are releasably held in anyposition to which such lever may be moved.

The red ribbon notch I10 is formed in a plate I14 rotatably supportedupon shaft I5I and having an elongated slot I15 for reception of a screwI16 carried by the bottom part of lever I50.

60 To this end, the l .field to the writing point.

Loosening of the screw I16 permits the plate'I'H to.be adjustedlaterally with respect to the lever I50 and the notch I'II therebyvarying the red ribbon position of lever I50 relative to the blackposition thereof.

The foregoing ribbon vibrator adjustments insure material advantages inthe operation of the machine. The throw of the vibrator may beaccurately fixed for various kinds of ribbons and for movement of anydesired part of the ribbon- The adjustable connections are readilyaccessible and adjustments may be made easily and quickly.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of novel lockingmeans. that prevents the vibratoradjustment connections from shiftingaccidentally to a non-print condition. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 5and 6, a' flat spring I80'is secured at its upper end to the inner faceof the front frame plate I59. The lower part of spring I80 is slightlybowed away from the plate I59 and its central part supports a button'I8I that projects through an opening I82 in the 'plate I59 where it isaccessible for depression by the operator. The lowerend of spring I80extends rearwardly and it is provid d with a forwardly turned lug I83which normally lies in the path of the color shift lever I50 whose upperend is bent at right angles to project through an arcuate slot-inthe'front panel'plate I59. The lug I83 prevents clockwise adjustment ofsuch lever from the black ribbon position of Fig. 5. To adjust theribbon vibrator connections to a nonprint condition, the operator merelydepresses the button I8I to move the lower part. of the spring I80 andits lug I83 rearwardly out of the path of thelever I50, and the lattermay then be moved clockwise to the non-print position I51 wherein thedetent I13 releasably engages the lever notch I12. When the color shiftlever I50 is moved to its non-print position, the spring lug I83 isengaged with the rear thereof and is held in its depressed condition,and upon return of the indicator to either of its other positions, thespring and its lug will automatically return to their normal positionpreventing movement of the indicator and associated connections to printcondition.

. It will be obvious from the foregoing that, in

the use of a bi-chrome ribbon, the operator may readily and quickly setthe ribbon vibrator control mechanism for printing in either of thecolor fields of such ribbon; or, in the case of a single color ribbon,different zones of the color field may be thus brought into play by mereadjustment of the color shift lever I50. The ribbon vibrating mechanismmay be disabled merely by depressing the button I8I and moving the colorshift lever I50 to its non-print position. The throw of the ribbonvibrator mechanism may be varied without changing the relative colorfield positions of this mechanism by adjustment of the shaft I5Irelative to the lever I6I. Or, if relative .throw adjustment is desiredas between the color fields of the ribbon, this may be accomplished byadjustment of the plate I14 upon the color shift lever I50.

In the use of a bi-colored ribbon, for example red and black, the redcolor field R is usually at the bottom of the ribbon. A greater throw ofthe ribbon vibrator is obviously required for movement of the red orlower ribbon field to the printing point. The vibrator is shifted withthe platen and is moved-to its extreme. upper position when the ribbonshift lever I50 is set in its lower the nonlatter condition. The ribbonvibrator mechanism includes a yieldable stop adapted 'to be engaged bythe vibrator to avoid overthrow of the latter. a spring member having apair of right angled arms I90 and I9I connected together by a coiledportion I92. The spring arm I90 is secured to the forward edge'of thecase shift shaft II! and the other arm I9I projects horizontally forwardtoward the ribbon vibrator. The mid-portion of the ribbon vibrator isprovided with an elongated slot' I93 (Fig. 1) into which the forward endof spring arm I9I projects. The vibrator slot is so located that itslower end strikes the arm I9I at about the time the vibrator reaches itsuppermost throw position. The spring arm not only prevents overthrow ofthe vibrator, but also acts as a noiseless cushion stop avoidingdetrimental shock and wear of the vibrator and tending to increase thelife and efficiency of the same. I

Universal bar service lock It is necessary at times to remove the'typebars for servicing of the same to the end of best typewriter operation.Since they are locked normally against removal by the universal bar, itis necessary that the universal bar be moved away from its segment slot32 a distance sufficient to permit the bar to be unhooked from itssegment shaft II. It would be quite inconvenient for the operator tomanually hold the universal bar in an inoperative condition whileremoving the type bar, and this invention contemplates the provision ofnovel means by which the universal bar may be readily and quicklyretracted to and held in -an inoperative position wherein the type barmay be freely removed.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the universal bar isnormally limited in its rearward movement by the upper end of arm 16 onthe escapement block shaft 12 (Fig. 11). The upper end of arm 16 isprovided with a lateral lug 200 (Figs. 11 and 12) which is adapted toengage the end of an adjustable abutment screw 20I carried bya lever 202pivotally supported by a stud 203 carried by a rearward extension 204 ofthe left-hand frame member 49. ward end of lever 202 is provided with adownwardly extending arm 205 which is adapted to engagepthe-hub of theuniversal bar supporting lever 46 to hold the'adjustment screw 20! inthe path of the lug 200. The screw 20I may be 206, the lever 202 may beelevated to move its abutment screw 20I above the path of the abutment200 on arm 16. The universal bar supporting arm 46 is provided with arearwardly extending arm 208 which may readily be grasped by theoperator to rock the universal bar rearwardly a greater distance thanprovided.for in The yieldable vibrator stop includes The for-' tionshown in Fig. 11.

is adapted to seat against the manually operand from aprinting position,universal bar mechthe normal operation of the machine. This extendedmovement of the universal bar is accomplished bydepressingsimultaneously with arm 208 a rearwardly extending arm 209 on lever 202f to elevate the screw 20I out of abutting position with the abutment200 as the universal bar is moved rearwardly.

The foregoing parts are held in the inoperative condition just describedby a latching lever- 210 pivotally supported upon the stud 203 whichsupports the lever 202. This latch lever is provided with a hook-likeforward end which is adapted to automatically swing upwardly andhook-engage the stud 206 when the parts are manually moved to the-typebar removing position stated.

The latch lever is automatically moved to a latching position upondepression of arms 208 and 209 by a spring 2 secured to lugs M2 and 2 l3on the levers 202 and 2 l 0, respectively. When the lever 202 ismanually actuate-d to an elevated position, the spring 2 is plac'edunder tension tending to swing the forward end of the latch lever 2|0upwardly into the latching posi- The latch lever lug 2l3 ated arm 200 oflever 202 and hold the screw 20i' on lever 202 in its fully elevatedposition out of the way of abutment 200.

With the universal bar thus moved rearward beyond its normal limit, thetype bars I may be readily unhooked from the segment shaft H and mayalso be readily and quickly replaced therein. When it is desired toreturn the parts to normal operating position, it is only necessary torotate the latch lever H in counterclockwise direction by grasping itsmanually operable arm 2! and elevating the same. This action disengagesthe latch lever from the stud 206 and permits the universal bar returnspring 52 to move the universal bar and associated parts to their normalpositions. The spring 2 connecting the latch lever and lever 202 duringthis movement returns and holds the forward end of the lever 202 initsnormal, home position.

It is to be understood that the structure shown is for purposes ofillustration only and that variations may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the lnvenmovement, said armsbeing so mounted that they are movable rearwardly beyond their normaloperating limit to move said universal bar to an inactive position outof operative connection with the type bar mechanism for removal of thelatter, an extension on one of said arms projecting beneath said shaft,a spring interposed between said extension and one of said spacedmembers constantly urging said arms forwardly, and a manually engageablemember on one of said arms for moving both said arms rearwardlybeyondtheir said normal operating limit.

2. In a typewriter including a plurality of arcuately positioned typebars movable towards tance from said universal bar, a pair ofcomparatively longflatarms projecting fiatwise from the forward part ofsaid body said arms being so shaped and being so connected to saiduniversal bar as to avoid angular bends therein in the plane of movementthereof which would cause suflicient flexing of said arms to vary theposi-' tion of said universal bar with respect to said body, and arms ofright-angled cross-section projecting rearwardly and upwardly from saidbody, the vertical webs of said armsbeing continued forwardly as anintegral part of the sides of said body and extending substantiallythroughout the sides of the latter to said flat arms, the horizontalwebs of said arms being continued forwardly as an integral part of thefiat body.

3. In a typewriter, the combination of a frame, type bars, a segmentsupporting said type bars, universal bar mechanism adapted to beactuated by said, type bars and finding support upon said segment,carriage escapement mechanism adapted to be actuated by said universalbar mechanism, and a single pair of spaced plate members mounted withinsaid frame and adapted to support. said segment, said universal barmechanism and said escapement mechanism in their cooperative operatingrelationship.

4. In a typewriter, the combination of a frame, type bars, a segmentsupporting said type bars,

universal bar mechanism adapted to be actuated by said type bars,carriage escapement mechanism adapted to be actuated by said universalbar mechanism, mechanism for manually moving and latching said universalbar mechanism in an inoperative condition, and a pair of spaced membersmounted within said frame and supporting said segment and said universalbar, escapement and moving and latching mechanisms in their cooperativeoperating relationship.

5, In a typewriter, universal bar mechanism which includes a universalbar movable rearwardly and forwardly, means for supporting saiduniversal bar for said movement which includes a support member, an armrockably carried by.

said support member and pivotally connected at one end to said universalbar, spring means between said arm and support member constantly urgingsaid arm in counterclockwise direction to move said universal barforwardly, and means for rocking said arm in clockwise direction to movesaid'universal bar rearwardly which includes a link member slidablymounted on said support member, said link member having alateral lugdisposed behind said arm and adapted v to engage the other end of saidarm and rock it clockwise when said link member is moved for-- wardly,and means for moving said link member forwardly to engage said lug withsaid arm.

6. In a typewriter, universal bar mechanism which includes a universalbar movable rearwardly and forwardly, means frr supporting saiduniversal bar for said movement whi .1' includes a support member, anarm rockably carried by said support member and pivotally connected tosaid universal bar, spring means between said arm v and support memberconstantly urging sai. arm in counterclockwise direction to movesaid'universal bar forwardly, and means for rocking said limitingposition, means for moving said universal arm in clockwise direction tomove said universal bar rearwardly which includes a stud on said supportmember, a link having a forked end slidably engaged with said stud withone of its fork arms extended, a lug/on said extended fork end extendingtransversely in the path of said arm, and means, including a space barfor shifting said link on said stud to engage said lug with said arm androck the latter clockwise to move said universal bar rearwardly.

'7. In a typewriter, the combination of a type b'ar, universal barmechanism including a universal bar adapted to be moved rearwardly bysaid type bar, means for supporting said universal bar including an armrockably supported and connected to said universal bar, a spring urgingsaid arm counterclockwise and said universal bar forwardly, and meansfor moving said universal bar rearwardly independently of said type barwhich includes a longitudinally shiftable link, means on said link toengage and move said arm clockwise as the link is moved forwardly, andmeans including' a space bar at the forward part of the typewriter formoving said link to move said uni versal bar rearwardly:

8. In a typewriter, a universal bar, means for moving said universal barforwardly and rearwardly within predetermined limits, means normallylimiting rearward movement of said universal bar and adjustable to aninoperative nonbar rearwardly to an inoperative position upon adjustmentof said limiting meansito its nonlimiting position, and latch meansoperatively connected with said limiting means and automaticallyoperative by movement of said limiting means to its non-limitingposition to lock said universal bar and limiting means in theirinoperative positions upon movement of the same to such positions.

9. In a typewriter, universal bar mechanism including a universal bar,means supporting said universal bar for movement backwardly andforwardly, means for normally limiting the rearward movement of saiduniversal bar, said limiting means including a stop member adjustable tovary the normal rearward limit of said universal bar, and also shiftableoutof universal bar limiting position to permit movementof'saiduniversal bar rearwardly to an inactive position beyond itsintended normal rearward limit of movement, and latch means actuatedthrough said limiting means as it is moved out of its normal limitingposition and positively engaging said universal bar supporting meansassaid universal bar is moved to its rearward inactive position forholding both said universal bar and its movement imiti-ng means in aninactive position.

10. In a typewriter, universal bar mechanism including a universal bar,supporting means .by which said universal bar may be moved backwardlyand forwardly, reciprocable means for normally limiting the rearwardmovement of said universal bar, means for reciprocating said limitingmeans tov permit movement of said universal bar to a-.rearward andinactive position, means for actuating said supporting means to movesaid universal bar rearwardly beyond its normal rearward position uponactuation of said reciprocating means, and latch means operativelyassociated with said reciprocating means for automatically engaging saidsupporting means and holding the same in an inactive rearward positionwhen said universal bar is moved to its rearward inoperative position.

11. In a typewriter, universal bar mechanism including a universal bar,means for supporting said universal bar for movement thereof for-.wardly and rearwardly between predetermined her to engage, theuniversal bar supporting means when said universal bar is moved beyondits normal rearward operating position, said latching means beingmanually adjustable independently of said member to release saiduniversal bar supporting mechanism for returning said universal barwithin its normal operating limits.

12. In a typewriter, the combination of a type bar, a support for saidtype bar, a universal bar having its forward end slidably' carried bysaid support and arranged normally to prevent detachment of said typebar, means supporting said universal bar for movement by said type barwithin predetermined operating limits, means including an independentlyreciprocable stop member for limiting the rearward movement of saiduniversal bar, said stop member being reciprocable in one direction topermit movement of said universal bar rearwardly out of normal operatingposition and out of engagement with said type bar for removal of saidtype bar. and latch means associated with andoperated by said stopmember and operable upon reciprocation of the latter topositively-engage the universal bar supporting means whenthe universalbar is moved rearwardly beyond its nor mal operating limit, to hold thelatter in that position until said latching means is manually released.

13. In a typewriter, the combination of type bar mechanism includingtype bar, universal bar mechanism actuated by said type bar, the latterbeing normally held non-detachable by the former, escapement mechanismoperated by said universal bar mechanism and including a rockablestop-abutment, a stop member normally positioned to be engaged by saidstop-abutment to limit rearward movement of said universal bar mechanismto a predetermined extent, said stop member being reciprocable out ofthe path of said stop-abutment to permit movement of said universal barmechanism rearwardly beyond its normal rearward position and out oflocking engagement with said type bar, and latch means operativelycontrolled by said stop member and adapted to automatically engage saiduniversal bar'mechanism when it is moved beyond its normal rearwardposition to hold the latter in that position fordetachment of saidtypebar.

- DWIGHT P. ROWLAND.

CONRAD C. DAHL.

